Resolution 2022: Seize the movement to change Cedar Rapids’ trajectory

Our community has had more than its share of challenges. While it’s hard to see in the midst of a disaster, every challenge presents an opportunity. After the floods of 2008, many were skeptical of building a market as a hub for a new district called NewBo, but a few visionaries had the courage to take a chance. The revitalization of NewBo, and now Czech Village and Kingston Village, are examples of what can happen when our city seizes the moment to change its trajectory.

Cedar Rapids finds itself in that rare moment again. Our city is slated to receive a major injection of state and federal funding starting this year. We have an opportunity to increase affordable housing, revitalize our downtown, create entertainment for the whole family, all while retaining and recruiting people and business. These are urgent needs that can be turbocharged to build a better city for tomorrow.

In this moment, we get to choose how fast and how high we rise as a city. One of the great lessons of this last election campaign is that we are more alike, as Cedar Rapidians, than different. We all share a love for our city and the people who call it home today and tomorrow. It’s going to take everyone being willing to think differently, listen to one and other and work together. In 2022, I look forward to being a part of the conversation in how to best move our city forward, together.

Tiffany O’Donnell is mayor-elect of Cedar Rapids.